Belgium for 4 Days

Day 1: Arrival & Brussels Highlights

Morning: Arrive in Brussels and settle into your accommodation. Begin exploring with a visit to the iconic Grand Place, marveling at its ornate guildhalls and lively atmosphere.

Afternoon: Head to the Manneken Pis statue nearby, then visit the fascinating Belgian Comic Strip Center to discover Belgium’s rich comic art history.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local bistro in the Ilot Sacré district and sample famous Belgian waffles or chocolates for dessert.

Day 2: Medieval Charm in Bruges

Morning: Take a train to Bruges and start your day at the Markt Square, exploring the historical city center and climbing the Belfry Tower for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Visit the serene Lake of Love (Minnewaterpark) and tour the Groeningemuseum to admire Flemish masterpieces.

Evening: Dine alongside the canals and try regional specialties such as Flemish stew or fresh seafood.

Day 3: Ghent's Historic & Modern Blend

Morning: Travel to Ghent and stroll through the bustling Patershol district, then visit the impressive Gravensteen Castle to step back into medieval times.

Afternoon: Explore the St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece, followed by a leisurely boat ride on the Leie River.

Evening: Experience Ghent’s vibrant nightlife with dinner and drinks at Vrijdagmarkt Square, known for its lively cafés.

Day 4: Antwerp and Departure

Morning: Head to Antwerp and visit the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady, followed by exploring the Grote Markt and surrounding historic streets.

Afternoon: Dive into Antwerp’s artistic heritage at the Rubens House and do last-minute shopping in the Meir shopping district.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Antwerp’s renowned restaurants offering Belgian cuisine before departing or heading to the airport.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Grand Place: 1.5 hours, Free
• Manneken Pis: 30 minutes, Free
• Belgian Comic Strip Center: 2 hours, €12
• Belfry Tower, Bruges: 1 hour, €14
• Groeningemuseum: 1.5 hours, €14
• Gravensteen Castle: 1.5 hours, €12
• St. Bavo’s Cathedral: 1 hour, Free (donations welcome)
• Leie River boat ride: 1 hour, €10
• Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp: 1 hour, €8
• Rubens House: 1.5 hours, €10
• Train travel between cities (Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp): Approx. 3.5 hours total, €40

Total Estimated Cost: €120 - €140 (depending on dining and transport choices)

Tips

To extend your trip, consider staying an extra day in Bruges or Ghent to explore surrounding villages or enjoy local festivals. For a shorter visit, focus on Brussels and one other city (Bruges or Ghent) to reduce travel time while still experiencing key highlights.